Monthly Archives: January 2013

Lyme Receives $500,000 STEAP Grant

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Perspective_500 On Monday, Gov. Malloy’s office announced that Lyme has been awarded a $500,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant for its Town Campus Center building project.

The $4.7 million project will build a new library and expand and renovate the Lyme Town Hall. Both buildings have reached the end of their useful lives, and the changes will meet Lyme’s needs today and for at least the next 30 years.

As part of the referendum which was passed in May, the town was obliged to raise at least $1 million in grants and donations before construction could begin. Upon receiving the $500,000 grant, Lyme is confident that the minimum fundraising goal will be met and that construction will begin in July 2013 as planned. The entire project is expected to take 18 months.

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33rd District Republican State Senator Art Linares Jr. Assigned to Four Legislative Committees

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State Senator Art Linares

State Senator Art Linares

Republican State Senator Art Linares Jr. has been assigned to the Legislature’s Banking, Commerce, and Education committees, along with the Select Committee on Children, as he prepares to take office representing the 33rd Senate District when the 2013 legislative session opens Wednesday.

Linares, a 24-year old Westbrook resident, was elected in November to the 33rd District seat held for two decades by former Democratic State Senator Eileen Daily of Westbrook. Linares defeated Democrat Jim Crawford and Green Party nominee Melissa Schlag to become the first Republican elected in the district since former State Senator Ed Munster of Haddam held the seat from 1990-1992. The district includes the towns of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Portland, Westbrook and portions of Old Saybrook.

In the committee assignments announced by Republican Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, Linares was named as ranking Republican member for the Banking Committee and the Select Committee on Children, while receiving a spot on the Commerce and Education committees.

Shoreline Bus Usage Continues to Grow

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In the past year, 9 Town Transit — the public bus service serving the shoreline from New Haven to New London, Middletown and Hartford — has seen a large growth in ridership.

Extended service hours, regional connections, new service in Haddam and improved awareness contributed to growth of 15% during 2012.

Since 2009, 9 Town Transit has greatly expanded the reach and hours of its services. Public bus service is now available from the shoreline to New Haven, New London, Middletown and Hartford, all for a fare of $1.50.

Most services now begin around 6 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. or later. Connections are offered to four neighboring transit systems.

In addition to service improvements, 9 Town Transit has been actively promoting awareness of public transit options in the region. This has included a new website, brightly painted buses, bus stop signage throughout the region, print advertising and participations in community events.

These factors contributed to a total annual ridership of just under 98,500 passenger trips, an 83% increase since 2009. About half of all trips are now work-related. All services are open to the general public.

Additional information, route maps and schedules are available online at www.9towntransit.com or by calling 9 Town Transit at 860-510-0429.

Wildcats Win Again, Send Portland Packing, Meet Valley Monday

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George Logan (left) and Danny Chapman (second from right) mark a Portland player closely in Saturday night's game.

George Logan (left) and Danny Chapman (second from right) mark a Portland player closely in Saturday night’s game.

Repeating the flow of Thursday night’s game against Haddam-Killingworth, the Wildcats again had a sluggish start to their Saturday night game against Portland ending the first half just two points ahead.

Then came an electric third quarter in which the ‘Cats charged to 10-point lead by the end of the quarter scoring 22 points compared to the Highlanders’ 12.

Senior Matti Fuller (#42) battles for a ball in Saturday's game.

Senior Matti Fuller (#42) battles for a ball in Saturday’s game.

The final score was a comfortable 64-51 victory for Kirk Kaczor’s Wildcats, who continue their unbeaten run in the Shoreline Conference 6-0. George Logan finished with 23 points and Danny Chapman added 16.

Tomorrow night, however, Old Lyme faces Valley Regional, who also have a clean sheet in the conference. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.Monday in the Lyme-Old Lyme High School gym. Come and cheer on your high school team in this battle of the unbeatens!

Go Wildcats!